Washington, DC – Today HumaneWatch.org, a project of the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), released the findings from a new survey of 1,000 self-identified Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) donors that found 90 percent were unaware that the organization gives just one percent of its budget to local pet shelters. This is a surprise to many, as 74 percent reported that their primary reasons for donating to the animal rights group was the belief that their money would go either to help pet shelters or reduce the number of animals euthanized every year.

To alleviate public confusion, HumaneWatch.org launched a new online video, “HSUS: Lawyers in Cages,” which parodies the deceptive fundraising practices of HSUS. HSUS’s advertisement featuring actress Wendie Malick employs images of downtrodden cats and dogs to pull at the heartstrings and wallets of America’s pet lovers.

“The Humane Society of the United States intentionally uses manipulative ads to raise money on the backs of abandoned and abused dogs and cats, yet it gives just one penny of each dollar it raises to local pet shelters,” said CCF Senior Research Analyst J. Justin Wilson. “While the video is tongue in cheek,HumaneWatch.org wants to ensure that America’s pet lovers know full well just what their donations are funding: a PETA-like agenda, not pet shelters.”

After learning that the HSUS did not spend a majority of its funds assisting local hands-on pet shelters, 80 percent of HSUS donors polled believed the group engaged in deceptive fundraising practices, with nearly 50 percent reporting they are now less likely to support the group.

“Think of how many more abandoned and abused pets could be saved if HSUS donors knew to give to their local shelter directly,” Wilson continued. “HSUS actively participates in duplicitous fundraising practices, using its classic bait-and-switch manipulation—reeling people in with pictures of sad-looking puppies and kitties, while funneling their donations to a radical animal rights philosophy.”